Fresh produce remains one of the most vital and dynamic areas of the global food and drink supply chain, and this will be brought into sharp focus at IFE 2026, taking place from 30 March to 01 April at Excel London. At the heart of the show’s sourcing offer, the Fresh Produce section, delivered in partnership with the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), will provide buyers with a direct route to high-quality fruit and vegetables from across the UK and international markets.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, fresh produce sits at the centre of multiple defining trends shaping the industry. From the growing demand for healthier, minimally processed foods to increased scrutiny around sustainability, provenance and supply chain transparency, the category has become a key strategic focus for retailers, wholesalers and foodservice operators alike. The Fresh Produce section at IFE reflects this shift, bringing together producers, cooperatives and distributors who are responding to these demands with innovation, efficiency and quality.

The partnership with the Fresh Produce Consortium ensures that the section is grounded in industry expertise and aligned with the priorities of the UK’s fresh produce sector. As the leading trade association for the industry, the FPC plays a central role in connecting businesses across the supply chain and championing best practice, making it a natural collaborator for IFE.

Exhibitors within the section span a diverse geographical and product mix, highlighting the global nature of fresh produce sourcing. Buyers will be able to meet leading organisations including BelOrta and Coöperatie Hoogstraten CV, both renowned for their cooperative models and high-quality fruit and vegetable supply, alongside international suppliers such as Lagache Freshco and Natavo Avocado. The section also features well-known brands and distributors including Chiquita Europe B.V. – UK Branch, as well as emerging and specialist suppliers such as Fresh4U Produce Ltd and Rwanda Fresh.

A number of organisations supporting trade and international sourcing will also be present, including ESSENTIAL COSTA RICA, Made in Uzbekistan and the Uganda High Commission, reflecting the increasingly globalised nature of produce supply chains. Meanwhile, businesses such as PML Seafrigo UK and Pan United Ltd highlight the importance of logistics and distribution in ensuring product quality and availability across markets.

The breadth of exhibitors is further complemented by companies such as Company Shop Group and The Potato Chef, alongside Belgian processed potatoes and Warnez, demonstrating the diversity within the category and the range of opportunities available to buyers seeking both staple and value-added produce solutions.

Federico Dellafiore, Event Director for IFE, emphasises the importance of the category within the wider industry: “Fresh produce is fundamental to the entire food and drink sector. It underpins everything from retail and wholesale to hospitality menus, and it’s where we’re seeing some of the most important shifts in consumer behaviour. From health and nutrition to sustainability and sourcing transparency, produce is at the centre of the conversation. The Fresh Produce section at IFE, delivered in partnership with the Fresh Produce Consortium, is designed to bring those conversations to life and connect buyers with the suppliers driving the category forward.”

As part of IFE’s wider positioning as the UK’s largest product sourcing platform, the Fresh Produce section offers a focused environment for meaningful business connections. By bringing together key players from across the supply chain in one place, it enables buyers to compare, discover and build relationships efficiently, all within the context of the broader food and drink landscape.

With fresh produce continuing to play a critical role in shaping menus, retail ranges and product development, its prominence at IFE 2026 reflects both its enduring importance and its evolving potential.